Illinois fairgrounds closed due to electrical problems

SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Department of Agriculture has canceled all events at the Illinois State Fairgrounds because of repeated high voltage electrical failures at the site.

The department said Friday that the decision was made as a precaution in the interest of public safety.

A problem with the electrical system was first noticed on Jan. 25, and resulted in outages at parts of the fairgrounds. Several subsequent failures have since occurred -- most recently on Friday.

The Department of Agriculture has been working with the Illinois Capital Development Board to identify and repair damage to the system.